FAQ Answers

How can I get a food handler's card?A food handlers class schedule can be found here along with other information about food handler testing at our office and online.

I lost my food handler's card; how can I get another one?Marion county does not provide online food handler training. If you got your food handler card through an online class, you will need to contact the online provider to obtain a replacement card. If you were issued a food handler card after taking an exam or attending a class provided by Marion County Environmental Health, a replacement card can be obtained at our office for a fee of $5. Call our office at 503-588-5346 for more information.

I think I got food poisoning from a restaurant. How do I go about filing a complaint against the restaurant?If you think you got sick from eating at a restaurant Marion County call us at 503-588-5346 to file a complaint. Be prepared to provide us with information about specific foods eaten, symptoms you experienced and a history of food consumed several days prior to onset of symptoms. More information about foodborne illness can be found here.

I found a dead bird; do you think it died from West Nile Virus? Will someone from the Health Department come pick it up?A large or continuous die-off of birds, especially crows, ravens, or jays, may be a sign that West Nile Virus is circulating between the birds and the mosquitoes in that area. If you notice an unusual number of dead jays or crows in your area, notify Marion County Environmental Health at 503-588-5346. More information on West Nile Virus can be found here.

I want to open a new restaurant. How do I get a license?Before a new restaurant can be licensed in Marion County a formal plan review must be done. A Restaurant Plan Review Packet and Pre-opening Checklist can be found here. Complete the plan review worksheets and return them to Marion County Environmental Health with a copy of your floor plan. Once plan review approval has been granted, an annual restaurant license can be obtained.

How do I get a license for a Mobile Unit?New mobile units and mobile units that have not been licensed for over a year are required to go through plan review. A mobile unit plan review packet can be downloaded from our forms page. General information about Mobile Food Units in Marion County can be found here.

How is a Mobile Unit different from a Restaurant?A Mobile Unit is defined as: any vehicle that is self-propelled, or can be pulled or pushed down a sidewalk, street, highway or waterway, on which food is prepared, processed or converted or which is used in selling and dispensing food to the ultimate consumer.

What do I have to do if I want to open a booth and sell food at a fair?A temporary restaurant license is required. More information about temporary restaurant licensing can be found here.

How much does a Temporary event license cost?A fee schedule can be downloaded from our forms page.

If I do get a license for a temporary event, can I bring food from home?Home canned or home processed foods are not permitted, except privately donated bread, rolls, pies, cakes, doughnuts or other pastries not having perishable fillings, icings, toppings or glazes may be used in temporary restaurants operated by benevolent organizations. A notice shall be posted in public view that says, “Food served at this location may not have been inspected by the health department.”

I was bitten by a dog. What can I do about that? What if the dog has rabies?Information about dog bites and quarantine can be found here. Rabies information from the CDC can be found here.

I think my drinking water at home is making me sick; will the Health Department test it for me?If you suspect chemical or bacterial contamination of your drinking water, you need to contact your water supplier and inquire about recent testing results. If it is a private well, the owner is responsible for all testing. Sampling for Nitrates and Bacteria is recommended. Look under water analysis in the phone book for local water testing labs. Marion County will test your private well for a fee of $125.00 per sample. Contact 503-588-5346 for more information on water testing or to report a suspected waterborne illness.

What can I do about a bad mold problem in my house?Information about household mold and mildews can be found here.

I have rats running through my yard. Can you help me?The first thing to do is eliminate any possible rodent food sources around your home and yard. More information can be found on our rodent control page.

Can the Health Department do something about my neighbor's trashy yard?For complaints within the city of Salem, you can contact Code Enforcement-Nuisance Abatement at 503-588-6471. If outside the city limits but within Marion County, call Environmental Services at 503-588-5169.

Are Service Animals allowed in restaurants?Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores, hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks, and zoos. More information can be found online at: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/svcanimb.htm